Clusters cope with large-scale visualisation
A
Virtalis product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Nov 16, 2007
The world's largest CAD models can now be loaded in one go while still using standard PC architectures.
Virtalis has harnessed its clustering technology, Virtalis Visionary, to the new PTC Division Reality for Windows.
This is the latest release of PTC's high-end visualisation system and features 64bit scalability.
Andrew Connell, Technical Director at Virtalis, explains: "The combination of our clustering technology with the new Division Reality essentially allows the loading of much larger chunks of data than was ever previously possible".
"We are actually talking about an increase of more than 16x, meaning that the world's largest CAD models can now be loaded in one go while still using standard PC architecture".
"When the constraints of current PC architecture are removed, the increase leaps to a theoretical four billion, giving true, sky's the limit, potential for the future".
"However, even today, once you add the latest graphics cards it is now possible to create multiple graphics pipes in parallel, spreading the data set across the cluster".
Virtalis Visionary complements the Division Reality graphics engine, creating a seamless integration between Division Reality and the cluster.
The solution is also infinitely scalable, with three PCs or as many as are required, capable of running both large-scale, projected environments and a headset-wearing, fully tracked individual either singularly or simultaneously exploring the same model.
Virtalis is a Gold Partner of PTC and holds preferred supplier status for PTC's advanced visualisation and recently revamped PTC's prestigious Corporate Visit centre theatre.
The Company believes its breakthrough will yield great interest from universities, companies involved in large-scale systems integration and engineering design companies.
As well as working closely with PTC over many years, Virtalis is also a Windows Microsoft partner and has close ties with the leading graphics cards manufacturers.
It has therefore been able to optimise the system for specific cards, ensuring the best conformance for different configurations.
As an illustration, one secure configuration with minimal latency enables Windows on the front node while the cluster deploys Solaris R10X86 with an Nvidia Quadro FX graphics card.
Virtalis has also written numerous immersive device drivers, so that VR peripherals can be used in conjunction with the system.
These include Immersion's Cybergloves and the latest trackers from Polhemus, InterSense and Ascension.
Dr Michael Rygol, PTC's Vice President, Visualisation Product Management, comments: "This development represents an excellent application of clustering technology to 64bit digital mockup and is expected to prove to be exceptional for those companies involved in large collaborative projects, such as aircraft manufacturers or shipbuilders".
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Other Virtalis stories
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PC clustering system aids laser projection system
Virtalis' "MockUp on a PC Cluster" allows the manipulation of large and complex data models. -
Visualisation software runs on PC clusters
The Virtalis Visionary Framework is a technology designed to get more value from PC clustering. -
Virtalis installs immersive visualisation suite
Virtalis has designed and installed an immersive visualisation suite at Case New Holland (CNH) in Modena, Italy. -
Virtalis installs second VR system for CNH
Virtalis, a virtual-reality (VR) company, has installed a second immersive visualisation suite for Case New Holland (CNH). -
Shanghai's RBD adopts Virtalis's 3D technology
RBD Computer Technology Company in Shanghai has adopted Virtalis's 3D technology, following a recent visit by two senior executives from the Chinese company.
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